Our Top Picks
- The Ultimate Statement: Maybach S680 – For those who refuse to compromise, the S680 remains the gold standard. Its 6.0-liter V-12 is a masterclass in effortless propulsion, offering a level of mechanical "zen" that four-cylinder hybrids simply cannot replicate.
- The Rational Luxury: Maybach S580 – While it lacks the V-12’s pedigree, the twin-turbo V-8 is punchy and more efficient, benefiting from 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that smooths out the stop-start transitions in heavy traffic.
- The Bespoke Choice: Manufaktur Program – With 60,000 design combinations, this is where the 2027 model truly shines. We recommend the new "Verde Silver Magno" for a modern, matte-metallic presence that stands out in a sea of black executive sedans.
Introduction: A Masterclass in Excess
In an era where the automotive industry seems obsessed with downsizing, electrification, and the relentless march toward the "SUV-ification" of everything, the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class stands as a defiant, gleaming monument to traditional luxury. We’ve spent decades tracking the evolution of the S-Class, but the 2027 facelift feels different. It isn’t just a mid-cycle refresh; it is a declaration of intent.
The headline for enthusiasts and purists is simple: the V-12 lives on. In a world of silent EVs, the 2027 Maybach S680 retains its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, producing a massive 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is a mechanical dinosaur in the best possible way—refined, overwhelming, and utterly smooth. While Mercedes-Benz moves toward a greener future, the Maybach sub-brand understands that for the world’s elite, true luxury is the sound of twelve cylinders humming in perfect, balanced harmony.
This car isn’t designed for the 0-60 mph sprint (though it’s plenty fast), but for the "waft." It’s about how the car moves through the world—not as a vehicle, but as a private sanctuary. From the moment the soft-close doors latch shut, the 2027 Maybach S-Class creates a "Cocoon Effect," isolating the occupants from the chaos of the road with a level of precision that only Mercedes’ engineering team could achieve.
The Heart of the Beast: V-12 vs. V-8 Performance
Behind the wheel—or more accurately, from the passenger’s perspective—the performance of the 2027 Maybach is less about raw speed and more about "reserve power." When we tested the V-12, the most striking aspect wasn't the acceleration, but the total absence of strain.
- S680 V-12 Specs: The 6.0L twin-turbo V-12 is the crown jewel. With 621 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, it propels the massive sedan to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The power delivery is velvety-smooth, feeling like a relentless surge of gravity rather than a traditional internal combustion engine.
- S580 V-8 Specs: The 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. While it "only" produces 530 hp, the electric boost fills in the torque gaps, making it feel remarkably agile for a car of this size. It matches the V-12's 0-60 mph time of 4.3 to 4.5 seconds depending on the configuration.
What truly sets the 2027 model apart is the integration of Car-to-X communication. The suspension doesn't just react; it predicts. Using cameras and cloud-based data, the E-Active Body Control pre-adjusts the damping for upcoming potholes or speed bumps. We found that even on the most neglected urban streets, the Maybach remains uncannily level, as if the road surface had been slathered in butter before the tires touched it.
Exterior Design: Flashier and Finer
The 2027 facelift leans into what we like to call the "Look at Me-bach" aesthetic. It’s no longer enough for a Maybach to be a slightly longer S-Class; it needs to be unmistakable. The most prominent change is the grille—it is now 20% larger and fully illuminated. At night, the vertical chrome slats glow with a soft, ambient light that gives the car a ghostly, regal presence.
The signature lighting has also been updated. Mercedes has integrated the tri-star motif directly into the headlight and taillight signatures, a subtle nod to the brand's heritage that looks incredibly high-tech in person. The two-tone paint jobs, a Maybach staple, remain available, but the precision of the hand-painted "pin-line" that separates the two colors has reached a new level of perfection.
Wheels are another area where Maybach has doubled down on excess. New 20-inch and 21-inch forged wheel designs offer a monoblock-style look that harks back to the classic Maybachs of the early 2000s. Crucially, these wheels now feature self-leveling center caps. Much like a Rolls-Royce, the Maybach "double M" logo remains upright even while the car is in motion. It’s a small, superfluous detail, but in the world of ultra-luxury, the superfluous is everything.
The Interior: MBUX Superscreen & The Cocooning Effect
Stepping inside the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is like entering a Lufthansa first-class cabin, only with better materials. The digital heart of the car is the new MBUX Superscreen setup. This isn't just a screen; it’s a glass-covered dashboard that spans the entire width of the cockpit.
The setup includes:
- A 14.4-inch central touchscreen that handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
- A 12.3-inch passenger display, allowing the co-driver to stream movies or adjust the massage settings without distracting the driver.
- Rose gold digital dials that provide a warmer, more luxurious feel than the standard blue-and-silver interfaces found in the standard S-Class.
But let’s be honest: the best seat in this house is the rear. The 2027 model introduces the "Rear Office" concept. Each passenger in the back gets a 13.1-inch entertainment screen. These aren't just for movies; they feature integrated video call cameras, allowing executives to join Zoom or Teams meetings with crystal-clear audio and video while being chauffeured.
The materials are, as expected, peerless. Every surface that isn't glass or metal is covered in Nappa leather. Even the pillows on the headrests—which feel like they are filled with the clouds of heaven—are hand-stitched.
Luxury here is tactile. It’s the weight of the silver-plated champagne flutes by Robbe & Berking, which sit securely in custom-designed holders in the rear console. It’s the Active Road Noise Compensation system, which works like a giant pair of noise-canceling headphones for the entire cabin, using the Burmester 4D sound system to cancel out tire roar and wind whistle.
Manufaktur Program: 60,000 Ways to be Unique
In the realm of $250,000 cars, exclusivity is the ultimate currency. To satisfy this, Mercedes has expanded the "Manufaktur" program for the 2027 Maybach. This "Made to Measure" initiative allows owners to customize almost every facet of the vehicle.
The statistics are staggering:
- 150+ exterior paint colors, including new additions like Manufaktur Black Sparkling and Verde Silver Magno.
- 400 interior configurations, ranging from sustainable vegan leathers to exotic wood inlays and carbon fiber accents.
- Over 60,000 possible design combinations, ensuring that you will likely never see another Maybach identical to yours at the country club.
We particularly like the "Night Series" package, which swaps the traditional chrome for dark-tinted "Shadow Chrome" and adds rose gold accents inside the headlight clusters. It gives the Maybach a more aggressive, nocturnal personality that appeals to a younger generation of tech entrepreneurs.
Market Comparison: The 'Affordable' Ultra-Luxury Limo
Pricing for the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class reflects its status as the pinnacle of the Mercedes lineup. While final official pricing is still being calibrated, industry insiders and current market trends suggest the following:
- Mercedes-Maybach S580 (V-8): Expected to start around $208,500.
- Mercedes-Maybach S680 (V-12): Expected to start around $245,750.
When you look at those numbers, your first instinct might be "expensive." But in the context of the ultra-luxury segment, the Maybach S680 is arguably a bargain. Its closest competitor, the Rolls-Royce Ghost, starts at approximately $370,000. That makes the S680 roughly $125,000 cheaper than the entry-level Rolls-Royce, despite offering more advanced technology, a legendary V-12, and a level of rear-seat comfort that is, at the very least, on par with the British marque.
For the driver who wants the prestige of a V-12 and the absolute latest in German engineering without the $400k+ price tag of a bespoke British limousine, the 2027 Maybach S-Class remains the smartest play in the high-stakes world of executive transport.
| Feature | Maybach S580 | Maybach S680 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 + Mild Hybrid | 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 |
| Horsepower | 530 hp | 621 hp |
| Torque | 538 lb-ft | 664 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.3 Seconds | 4.5 Seconds |
| Drive System | 4MATIC AWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Est. Starting Price | $208,500 | $245,750 |
Logan’s Verdict: The Final Word
The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is a triumph of engineering over trends. It would have been easy for Mercedes to kill the V-12 and replace it with a high-output hybrid. Instead, they’ve kept the soul of the car intact while wrapping it in a layer of digital sophistication that makes its rivals look dated.
If you have the means, the S680 is the one to get. Not because it’s faster, but because the V-12 is a dying breed. Owning one in 2027 isn't just a sign of wealth; it's a sign of taste—a nod to the golden age of motoring, enjoyed from the most comfortable seat ever put into a production car.
FAQ
Does the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class still have a V-12? Yes. While many brands are phasing out large-displacement engines, the 2027 Maybach S680 retains its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, delivering 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is currently one of the few ways to buy a brand-new V-12 sedan.
What is the screen setup in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class? The interior is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen. This includes a 14.4-inch central touchscreen for the driver and a 12.3-inch dedicated passenger display. Rear-seat passengers are treated to dual 13.1-inch entertainment screens with integrated cameras for video conferencing.
How much will the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cost? While official pricing is pending, the S580 (V-8) is expected to start at approximately $208,500. The flagship S680 (V-12) will likely start at $245,750, making it a significantly more affordable alternative to a Rolls-Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur.
